AWARDS APPLICATION FORM

Recognising system transformation, the WE Water-Smart Awards constitute the flagship distinction of Water Europe. These awards recognise systems that demonstrate measurable progress towards becoming Water-Smart and successfully implementing the Water Europe Vision for a Water-Smart Society and Economy. Awards are presented annually at Water Innovation Europe (WIE) Gala Dinner. The short-listed applicants will be invited complementary to attend the Gala Dinner taking place on 13 October 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.

Awards categories:

Water-Smart City and Region Award

Recognising cities, metropolitan areas, regions and local authorities that successfully integrate water into urban and territorial development strategies while improving resilience, sustainability, circularity and quality of life. The Award highlights territorial approaches that place water at the centre of planning, development and climate resilience.

Water-Smart Industry Award

Recognising industrial companies, industrial clusters and value chains demonstrating leadership in water stewardship, circularity, resilience and competitiveness. The Award highlights industrial actors that successfully combine water resilience, resource efficiency and economic performance while contributing to the transition towards a Water-Smart Society and Economy.

Water-Smart Agriculture Award

Recognising agricultural organisations, cooperatives, farms, irrigation schemes and agricultural initiatives that advance sustainable water management, climate resilience and productivity. The Award highlights approaches that strengthen water resilience in agriculture while supporting sustainable production, environmental stewardship and long-term food security.

Water-Smart River Basin Award

Recognising river basin organisations and basin partnerships that demonstrate measurable improvements in water security, ecosystem health, climate resilience and integrated water resources management at basin scale. The Award highlights collaborative basin-scale approaches that balance environmental, societal and economic objectives while strengthening long-term water resilience.

Water-Smart Investment & Finance Award

Recognising financial institutions, investors, insurers, investment platforms, financing mechanisms and public-private initiatives that demonstrate outstanding leadership in mobilising capital, reducing investment barriers and accelerating investment in water resilience, water-smart infrastructure and the transition towards a Water-Smart Society and Economy. The Award highlights innovative financing approaches that enable the large-scale deployment of water-smart solutions and strengthen long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.

 

Please find below an overview of the requested information. Please note that only fully completed and paid applications will be eligible for evaluation. The deadline for application is 24 September midnight (Brussels time).

Belgian applicants are charged 21% Belgian VAT. For applicants established in another EU country with a valid intra-community VAT number, VAT is charged at 0% under reverse charge where applicable.

• General information (e.g. name, address, website)
• Award Catergory
• Executive Overview - 1,000 characters max.
• Challenge addressed - 2,000 characters max.
• Water-Smart Solution and Transformation Journey - 4,000 characters max.
• Results and impact - 4,000 characters max.
• Contribution to a Water-Smart Society and Economy - 2,000 characters max.
• Replication and Scale-Up Potential - 2,000 characters max.
• Leadership and Collaboration - 1,500 characters max.
• Lessons Learned - 1,500 characters max.
• Supporting documents (max. 3 docs)
• Payment details

The assessment will be done by a jury nominated by Water Europe and the award will be announced and given during the Gala dinner of WIE 2026 in Dublin. Shortlisted applicants will be informed on Monday, 5 October to join the Gala Dinner in Dublin on the 13th of Oct. where the award winners will be announced in front of a high-level audience of water leaders, policy makers, investors and innovators.